Daily Bible Reading- Term 1 Week 8

Week 8: Preparing the Way, Saying Goodbye

This week is about transition. The theology readings move from the one who prepared the way for Jesus to the identity of the Saviour himself. The story follows the same arc, a farewell, and the arrival of the one everyone had been waiting for.

This week's readings:

- 30 Second Theology — "How did God prepare the way for the Saviour?" (Matthew 3:1–3) and "Who is the Saviour?" (Psalm 145:13–21)

- The Greatest Story Ever Told — "Saying Goodbye" and "Lamb of God"

Day 1 — How Did God Prepare the Way for the Saviour?

Reading: 30 Second Theology, "How did God prepare the way for the Saviour?" (Matthew 3:1–3)

Before Jesus begins his public ministry, someone else goes ahead of him, calling people to get ready. God doesn't just act suddenly; he prepares the way first.

Journal prompt: Is there a way God has been "preparing" me for something, even if I haven't recognised it yet?

Prayer: God, thank you for preparing the way before you act. Help me notice how you might be preparing me right now.

Day 2 — Who Is the Saviour?

Reading: 30 Second Theology, "Who is the Saviour?" (Psalm 145:13–21)

Psalm 145 describes a God who is near to everyone who calls on him, faithful in all his promises. That's who the Saviour turns out to be, not distant, but close and dependable.

Journal prompt: Where do I need to experience God as "near" this week rather than distant?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being near to me when I call on you. Help me call on you honestly today.

Day 3 — Saying Goodbye

Reading: The Greatest Story Ever Told, "Saying Goodbye"

A farewell marks the end of one chapter of the story and the beginning of another, a reminder that endings are often how God moves things forward.

Journal prompt: Is there something I need to let go of in order to move forward with what God has next for me?

Prayer: God, thank you for being present in endings as much as beginnings. Give me courage to say goodbye to whatever I need to release.

Day 4 — Lamb of God

Reading: The Greatest Story Ever Told, "Lamb of God"

Jesus is identified publicly for who he really is, the one who takes away sin. This is the moment the whole story has been building toward.

Journal prompt: What does it mean to me personally that Jesus is called the "Lamb of God", the one who takes away sin?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being the Lamb of God, taking away what I could never remove on my own. I receive that gift again today.

Day 5 — Integration

Reading: No new reading — look back over the week.

This week connected preparation with arrival, God getting the way ready, and then the Saviour himself being revealed for who he truly is.

Journal prompt: This week I read about how God prepared the way for the Saviour and who that Saviour really is, and I watched him be named "Lamb of God" in the story. What does it look like for me to respond to that identity this week?

Prayer: God, thank you for this week. Thank you for preparing the way and for sending the Saviour I needed. Help me live in light of who he is.